English Modal Verbs Table
Modal
verb Usage Example
can
ability I can do several things
at the same time.
when something is possible Miracles can happen.
permission You can go now.
informal requests Can you come for a minute?
could
past form of "can" She said she could pay
for us as well.
polite requests Could you move
your bag, please?
possibility It could be that he
missed the train.
may
possibility It may rain tomorrow.
ask or give
permission (formal) May I speak?
might past form of "may" He said he might
change his mind.
possibility This might fail.
must
you have to do it You must obey the law
it's very logical or
very likely to happen
They left so early, they
must be home by now.
must not/
mustn't
you are not
allowed to do it You mustn't smoke in here.
shall
future for "I" and "we" I shall see him tomorrow.
questions and suggestions for
"I" and "we" Let's continue, shall we?
should
the right thing to do( She should call the police.
advice
-(What should I do?
-(You should stop
thinking about it.
what is likely or
expected to happen
We should be
back by midnight.
will
future action or states
(not plans)
Prices will go up
next summer.
promises and intentions It's alright, I'll pick it up.
would
past form of "will" He told me he would come.
imagined situations What would you do
if you were him?
for polite requests, offers and
invitations
- Would you please sit down?
- Would you like some tea?
- We are meeting with Sarah
next Saturday, would you like
to come along?
to say what you
want to do or have I would like a piece of cake.
